Merril Hoge: Kurt Warner is uneducated and irresponsible

Posted by Michael David Smith on May 4, 2012, 4:58 PM EDT

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Merril Hoge has been outspoken on the subject of brain injuries in the NFL since long before it became one of the major issues surrounding the league in the last few years. Hoge’s career was cut short after he had multiple concussions in 1994, and he successfully sued the Bears and their team doctor over the way his concussions were treated during his final NFL season.

“I think it’s irresponsible and unacceptable,” Hoge said of Warner suggesting that football is a dangerous game for children. “He has thrown the game that has been so good to him under the bus. He sounds extremely uneducated.”

In Hoge’s view, parents can’t just put their children in bubble wrap and ensure they’ll never suffer a concussion, but what they can do is ensure their children will get proper treatment and adequate time off if they ever do suffer a concussion. And Hoge says that children playing in youth leagues that follow the proper concussion guidelines are actually playing a safer sport than youth football players of times past played.

“Head trauma is not the issue here — it’s how head trauma is treated,” Hoge said. “The game is safer than it has ever been because we’re being proactive with head trauma. That is the biggest issue.”

Hoge believes that football is a great game for kids to play, and that it’s wrong for Warner to suggest otherwise.

“I can’t believe that he would share that message because now moms and dads that are out there, and Billy wants to play, but they are uneducated and they are unsure, and they love Kurt Warner, they’re like, ‘He doesn’t want his kids to play? Why should I let my kids play?'”

“The biggest problem in our society today with our youth is obesity,” Hoge said. “You will do more damage to your son or daughter by allowing them to sit on the couch, play XBox and eat a donut, health-wise, than you will ever do if you put them on a football field and it’s in the right structure. You think of obesity and all the things that come from that — diabetes and lung and heart and joint issues, we can go on and on — the last thing we should do is discourage children from activity.”

Hoge and Toomer are the real disgrace? These birds just can’t tolerate a point of view that doesn’t fit their own. Shame. Parents have every right to guide their children’s activities and speak out about it. Don’t like it. Tune out.

Hoge and toomer need to zip it until they do the things that Kurt has done for the sport. While not the first, he follows in the steps of the likes of Reggie White..excellent people of faith, who give back and give athletes a good name off the field. Whens the last time hoge took his kids out to eat, and offered to pay for another families meal? Or Toomer? If they have i apologize, but I doubt it. Further, who are they to tell Kurt how to raise his kids?! I think he has that handled pretty well.

First Merril Hoge rips Tebow. Understandable. But now he’s taking shots at one of the nicest guys in recent NFL history? For voicing his OWN OPINION on what he thinks is best for his children?

It’s a dangerous game. The facts on concussions are there. Who the hell are Merril Hoge and Amani Toomer to bash a man when it comes to the safety and well being of his children. I don’t wanna hear the whole “why bash the league that made you who you are”. I don’t wanna hear that. If a drug dealer makes a lot of money throughout his life and says he doesn’t want his children to sling drugs, are these a**holes gonna defend that too? Made him who he was. Good for Kurt Warner.

Watching children tackle each other violently with coaches that scream and helicopter parents is enough to make me agree with Warner. Imagine a kid suffers a terrible injury to the brain before its developed… It’s a tragedy. Hodge is wrong. I believe any level of football prior to high school should be two hand touch or flag.

While I agree with the gist of it, I think the problem is not being tackled properly enough at the high school and college level. The NFL(besides the Cleveland Browns) is finally taking steps but for the sport to continue with its popularity, the changes have to come at the lower levels.

There are plenty of activities besides football for children to get involved with to combat obesity.
Hoge is a loudmouth.
Warner has more class in his little finger than Hoge has in his entire body.
One more reason to loathe this guy.

I think Kurt is entitled to his own opinion. It’s not as if possible brain damage has been a big secret until Kurt Warner said something. Also, there are other sports than football, it’s not like it’s that or Xbox.

The long term injuries because of football go well beyond the brain injuries. Many players can barely walk or are still having surgeries to knees, hips, shoulders, etc. All one has to do is look at the older players, even college players who never made it to the pros to see how many of them still hurt.

I’d much rather hear what Kurt Warner has to say than what Merril Hoge has to say. I don’t think my kid is going to be obese just because he doesn’t play football. There are other physical activities, you know.

Sure, but there are lots of ways to get exercise that don’t have nearly the same concussion risk as playing football does. Go running. Swim. Pick up a basketball.

Also, if Kurt Warner doesn’t want his kids playing football, isn’t that his choice as a parent? Lots of parents achieve success in fields that are dangerous. Many of those same parents try to discourage their kids from following in their footsteps and instead encourage them to find “easier” paths to success than they had to travel.

I know all the parents are feeling better knowing their children’s head injuries are well-treated.

Besides, everyone knows the local yahoo coaching the youth team cares more about the players’ health than living out their dreams of being the Pop Warner Vince Lombardi (because they would have been coaching in the NFL right now if not for that high school coach who had it out for them).

Yeah, but there are safer, healthy forms of activity than football. Listen, I love football…it is a great game but I wouldn’t want my kids playing it either. I don’t care what kind of equipment they have, concussions and serious head trauma still happen at the youth level. It just isn’t worth it. Period. End of story.

I played football as a kid and in HS and loved it. That said, if I choose to raise my kids a certain way (whether I let them play or not), I should be able to do so without being called “uneducated or irresponsible”. It’s wrong how this has gotten so hostile.

Hoge – you moron, Warner has every right to be concerned about head trauma. However let’s not forget he is out of the lead because of a hit where he was targeted specifically to get injured.

Yeah, I think I would be concerned about my kids as well. It is a parent’s job to try and protect their kids the best that they can, or the best way that they know.

Some people would hesitate, it is good to know that Hoge wouldn’t. He took to many shots to the head and had to sue his employer for not taking care of him, but he would want his kids to go through that as well.

He suffers from SAPP SYNDROME , a medical condition where those afflicted continually spit out outrageously false and idiotic comments in order to get attention and keep their jobs for another 3 months.

I think Toomer and Hoge are out of line. Who are they to tell Kurt Warner what is best for Kurt’s children? If he thinks football is too dangerous for his kids, it’s his right as a parent. He didn’t say football is too dangerous for kids in general. He said it’s too dangerous for HIS kids.

So, Mr. Hoge feels that Kurt Warner is irresponsible and uneducated because he wants more for his children and to keep them safe? Isn’t that virtually every parents desire?

It sounds like Mr. Hoge needs to spend more time looking at his own life, and less at what other people do. That’s another big problem with America, today. People who think they have any right to infringe upon other peoples lives.

Really? Blow something out of proportion much? Kurt Warner can decide to parent his children however he wants to. If that means telling his children all the risks before they blindly go into the profession he’s experienced the dark side of, what is wrong with that? He’s just concerned for his own kids safety, as parents usually are. And are this many people around the country really going to tell their kids not to play just because Kurt Warner doesn’t want his kids to? I didn’t realize the guy had that much control over society lol.

What an idiot …. Kurt Warner is a 1st ballot HOF’er …. great Father, man of Faith and class act.

Football is dangerous, highest risk of injuries and lifelong symptons of any sport.

Warner never said he wanted his kids to be fat coach potatoes … you think Warner the once grocery bagger, tunred AFL QB, turned Super Bowl Champion and HOF’er doesn;t respect what the game did for him?

He’s right. You want to protect your kids fine. But, don’t stop their dream. If they want to play football, find them a program that, best, helps protect them.

People say football is a dangerous sport. There have been thousands of football players that have played the game. Not all of them have suffered a concussion and are disabled because of it. (or any other injury) You have to smart about it. Every sport is dangerous, in some ways. It’s about how you protect yourself when you are playing it.

Merril,
‘Head trauma is not the issue here — it’s how head trauma is treated”

Not true. Repeated head trauma is an issue – it’s not just concussions, the much more frequent, lesser impacts that don’t cause concussions also contribute significantly. And those are generally not treated.

Some articles on CTE suggest that this brain-wasting illness may occur without a history of severe concussions. Just the typical head-banging by linemen may do the trick. What about that, Mr. Hoge. I think any parent falls within the ‘reasonable’ category if they avoid football or if they embrace it.

Merrill, how to we ensure that our kids coaches follow the protocol? Do we need to be at every practice? To ensure they are not driving the kids to win at all costs? The local 8th grade baseball coach will not allow his players to go on family vacations that conflict with practice. Does that sound like someone who values anything over winning?

This is definite proof Hoge suffers from long term brain damage. I applaud Kurt Warner for not wanting his son to play football if he sees it as being dangerous. It’s every parents right to raise their own children. Hoge, stick to what you do best, I forgot what do you do best?

I seem to recall a guy named Molk being rated as the #1 center prospect in the draft last week.

I also seem to recall he wasn’t drafted until quite late in the process, because at 298 pounds, teams felt he was “undersized”.

I’d call it pretty irresponsible to encourage high school kids and college age men to pack on a bunch of additional weight in order to play a game that most will never play at the professional level. It sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of their adult lives.

For the record, I play games for about ten hours a week (don’t have cable TV), which is also about the same amount of time I spend at the gym. I eat Clif Bars instead of donuts, though. Those chocolate chip ones are yummy.

The fact that you sued your own team and that you were at best an average player, I suggest you keep your comments to yourself. Warner is speaking as a parent. Football is a violent sport. You walk around, analyzing, thinking you know everything about football but you don’t. So do the world of football a favor KEEP your own opinions to yourself. I we need information on how to sue the company that gave you the chance to play a kids game and make a hell of a lot of money, we’ll call you.

P.S. You say the game is safer but thats from a professional stand point. Pee wee, middle school, high school, don’t have the same protection like the pros. Why? Cause they don’t make billion of dollars like the NFL. Idiot.

It’s the players that make the league and not the league that makes the players….Merrill Hoge were you a player??? What round were you drafted?? I don’t remember you or in college…Were you ever a pro bowler???

He complains about the game that gave him and what his family what they have now, and don’t forget the game is still giving to him and family cus he works for the NFL Network. So he gets to talk about the game that’s so awful for his kids to even play. Get real man! #KurtWarnerHater#1!!

Didn’t hear Warner say he didn’t want kids playing football. He said he would prefer HIS kids didn’t play. But he also is allowing them to play because they have a passion for the game. Hoge is a loud mouth ignoramus who obviously has minimal compression skills.

Unfortunately for Hoge, the person showing the uneducated trait is him, not Warner. Concussions are not a bruise or cut. The damage is irreparable. Multiple instances only compounds the damage that has already occurred. Treatment cannot reverse damage done by way of concussion. Treatment can further prevent the next instance by alleviating the negligence of medical and training staffs of years past. Just like Alzheimer’s or AIDS, treatment or how you handle the injury does not white out the injury that is there–it only serves to make coping with the ailment and it’s attendant symptoms more bearable and manageable. Concussions DO NOT disappear when the treatment ends and the band-aid is removed. Hoge needs to realize that any amount of treatment does not negate the irreparable injury to the soft tissue of the brain which has shown NOT to heal itself. I love football. I love the first amendment. More than anything, I value truth, honesty and intellect. I fail to find any of those qualities in any of Hoge’s comments, for what that is worth. Uneducated? I think so. Hoge needs to reassess his stance. Winning a concussion lawsuit does not make you an expert on concussions. That cannot be contradicted.

Don’t both have a right too their opinions? And what would any of US do if football changed so dramatically that it wasn’t even close to what it is today? If you read the comments from top to bottom, quite honestly were the idiots….this very page wouldn’t be around for us to act like we lived it…

…am I crazy or is that one of the most insane statements I’ve ever heard? Head trauma is THE issue, you moron. Treatment is irrelevant–the short term effects of a concussion go away after some time but the long term effects are permanent. It’s a proven fact that you are more susceptible to future concussions if you play after sustaining one.

When it comes to allowing their children to play football parents need to ask the question: is the juice worth the squeeze?

You’d think Hoge shot the Pope. Well in Warner’s case maybe he did but come on folks. Hoge has a point. You can’t go on TV all week during the season and talk about the great game and great hits and the great passes and runs then tell the world it’s not safe for their kids.

Like it or not Warner made himself a public figure after football talking about football so when he says it, it’s not the same as Joe Blow down the street commenting on the dangers of football.

He and that dingbat wife are living pretty well thanks to football AND the huge salary he makes as a commentator. he can’t have it both ways.

What is it with these ESPN guys? They all should be fired. They are either writing fabricated articles or insulting someone’s opinion. Warner was just being honest…..football IS a dangerous sport…..end of story.

my dad was a purchasing agent who had the opportunity to get called on by john unitas.(who was a salesman)
john unitas told my father that he would/did not let his kids play football.
and this is long before concussions were getting any attention.
real bad arthritis as well as a whole host of other significant aches and pains can and will set in real early on folks who abuse their body on a weekly/daily basis.
i love watching the g-men on a weekly basis but i have steered my son away from football… to many risks.

Now I’m no doctor but I do know that having your brain bang around in your skull does not do it any good. No matter how good the helmet is, it’s not always about the hit but the sudden change in direction that bruises the brain and causes problems. Now we are reaching a bit with this obesity thing. Tell me that B.J. Raji, Vince Wilfork, Bryant McKinney, etc are not obese. Yes get off your ass and play some sports but it doesn’t change the fact that football is inherently violent and will cause injuries. That’s just the way it is. You can choose to play or not. But don’t tell anybody that they are wrong in saying they wouldn’t want their kid to take that risk. Keep it to yourself.

Soooooo…the scrub fullback knows more than than the Super Bowl MVP and future HOFer quarterback…got it, thanks for clearing that up for me.

Bottom line is, people are blowing Warner’s comments WAY out of proportion, and no one has the right to tell anyone else what message they should be sending their own children. Hoge thinks that a football player that a kid has never met has more influence than his own parents? If so, there’s bigger problems there…

How many kids have you hard that died from a fast ball straight to their temple? or a kid hitting the goal post on a soccer field? how many kids have you heard that died from a tackle? like hoges said, you can’t put your kid in a bubble.. every sport has its danger .. even sitting on your ass all day can kill you.

And as for kurt throwing the sport that gave him a good life under the bus.. he should meet consequences from his employer .. thats not good advertisement for the company he works for…

“dont let your kids come work for the company i work for, they pay too much and sit around all day that you get fat!”

Perhaps all children should be home schooled because the bus could be in an accident. Perhaps all children should be in wheel chairs so they do not risk twisting an ankle. Perhaps we should all stop living our lives because there are possibilities we could be injured. Lets all go on welfare and never leave the house just to be safe.
I agree that safety is a concern and that is why equipment and rules evolve for children.

There is a massive difference between living and existing. I am happy to be living my life and without football my childhood would not have been nearly as good as it was.

allright!!!! now i’m getting pissed!!! leave Warner alone!!! he is a great guy, a great qb and he is awesome for the game as well as being an analyst!!! he has never complained about anything and holds the game and his career in the highest of regards… shut up hoge! shut up toomer! just shut the hell up!!! you are both uneducated and dont have a clue!!! i dont want my daughter to be a woodworker either, but if she chooses that path, then so be it! ultimately it is their decision! my dad was a truck driver. not me! your children will decide there fate, regardless! damn. shut up!!!

Hoge is a tremendous Xs and Os analyst that understands the game on a level far beyond the common fan, yet you all rip him every time he opens his mouth. It’s a sad but true phenomenon that most fans (like those posting here) have no appreciation for real analysis. That’s why every NFL-related show on ESPN and the NFL Network are all hype and no substance. I would far rather listen to Hoge break down a play than listen to Keyshawn Johnson speak or watch Rich Eisen ask Maurice Jones-Drew who’s on his fantasy team or listen to Jamie Dukes say one ridiculously untrue thing after another. Sadly, though, I’m obviously in the minority.

Set aside the topic of concussions for one minute , and focus on the inflammatory nature of the headline itself. The author of this article seems to be more interested in creating a conroversy than addressing the sensitive and complicated nature of athletes and concussions. I am sure that deep down Hoge and Warner are coming from the same place, and that is a place of concern. We are becoming painfully aware of the devastating affects of repeated concussions . Allow us to read their statements in some kind of context and save the misleading headline grabbing introductions.

I wonder what Hoge thinks about the 1,500 players that are suing the NFL. Are they also uneducated and irresponsible? To me, pausing before letting your kids continue playing football is responsile. Look at the state of the vast majority of retired players.

i am not a man of faith, but to not respect his opinion is stupid. the guy has a good head on his shoulders and doesnt stuff his religion down your throat. hoge stuffs his steeler, tough guy act down everyones throat. how many super bowls you win, merril?

When did Hoge become educated… he must’ve earned an MD when no one was looking. Obesity, heart, lung, joint problems? The fact of the matter is that the concussion is not the only problem associated with football. Obesity? – how many 300-350 pound offensive/defensive linemen end up battling overweight/obesity issues in their lifetime (nearly 100%). Joint problems? – what percentage of NFL players end up having knee/ankle/finger joint problems (google Mark Schlereth knee surgeries or Torry Holt fingers) ….can go on and on about the various health problems that former players suffer.

Most Pediatric Neurologist would not recommend sports that carry a large risk for head and joint traumas (i.e. football, soccer, boxing). Head traumas can have especially long term consequences in children than adults (stemming from still developing brains and intracranial size).

There are countless number of sports that kids can participate in to encourage exercise and even provide better cardio component (e.g. running, swimming, basketball). Kurt Warner, like any other parent has every right to express concern for their children’s well being in participating in any sport. Hodge and Toomer are out there acting like Warner is out to destroy the sport – but they don’t realize that 99% of kids of playing football will not become NFL athletes – thus the risk of injury is not worth the reward.

Given the avalanche of new data on brain injury directly correlated to football activity, Warner’s stance is completely logical. I can envision a day when high school’s stop the sport altogether to avoid liability for injury. I can envision a day when football is drawing from the same pool as boxing – inner city youth who are willing to risk anything to escape an inhospitable environment. Children of priveledge – such as Warner’s – do not need to unnecessarily risk having their eggs scrambled for the sake of playing a gladiator sport that takes years off of their lives as well as subjecting what years they have to horrible, debilitating brain trauma.

I played football from pee wee through high school, I will put a golf club, baseball bat, basketball, soccer ball etc. in front of child in the hopes that they choose these less violent/devestating sports as compared to football. I will not stop them if that is their choice, but I will certainly encourage options other than football for the sake of their health.

“Head trauma is not the issue here — it’s how head trauma is treated,” Hoge said. “The game is safer than it has ever been because we’re being proactive with head trauma. That is the biggest issue.”

WHATTT??? Head trauma IS the issue. Hoge makes it sound like proper treatment makes it all go away. Once you bang your brain, you bang your brain. Sure, you can help decrease the ill-effects with better awareness and treatment, BUT, reducing the likelyhood of experiencing brain trauma should also be a goal.

And sure, you can sustain injuries doing all sorts of different things, but who is MORE likely to experience head trauma, a kid playing basketball or baseball, or a kid with pads on playing football?

It is INHERENTLY a violent sport. That’s all Kurt is getting at. It’s about living a full life with all your capacities.

Hoge is out of line and really,who cares what he thinks at this point. Kurt Warner has first hand knowledge about concussions in football,so,as a parent,so what if he doesnt want his kids to play? his business as it would be mine as a parent. Football can be a dangerous sport. These commentators like Hoge,Bayless,etc. somehow think their word is golden. Pfffft!

Hoge is a tremendous Xs and Os analyst that understands the game on a level far beyond the common fan, yet you all rip him every time he opens his mouth. It’s a sad but true phenomenon that most fans (like those posting here) have no appreciation for real analysis. That’s why every NFL-related show on ESPN and the NFL Network are all hype and no substance. I would far rather listen to Hoge break down a play than listen to Keyshawn Johnson speak or watch Rich Eisen ask Maurice Jones-Drew who’s on his fantasy team or listen to Jamie Dukes say one ridiculously untrue thing after another. Sadly, though, I’m obviously in the minority.

Uh…analyzing NFL games and calling a former player irresponsible and uneducated are 2 totally different things…I doubt he’s qualified to call Warner uneducated and irresponsible…clearly Hoge still sufffers from some of the hits he took.

Hey Hoge, if you’re worried about obesity, encourage kids to play the world’s sport, soccer. There are no fat soccer players and few have long lasting brain injuries. Even with players with 3rd rate athletic ability, the US is top 20 in the world. Think about how good the US could be if some of our top athletes with world class speed and agility played soccer instead of football or basketball where very very very few people make the pros.

Hoge continues his juvenile efforts to be relevant and to scream loud enough that folks will ignore the facts he has never accomplished anything (too brittle) and that he knows nothing about football except how to be a tackling dummy who gets concussions.

I find this all rediculouse. The players make millions of dollars to play a violent game. Harry Carson says its like soldiers being injured in war. When was the last millionare soldier killed in combat? These guys are just money grubbing spoiled brats that spent all thier money on stuff they dont need ! How much money do our soldiers get paid to protect us ? Not what these guys get paid !! SHAME SHAME SHAME ON ALL OF YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the end of the day, what Hoge, Toomer OR Warner thinks is irrelevant. It is, always has been, and always will be parents’ prerogative to make up their own mind about which sorts of activities are or are not fit for their children to participate in. If they decide football’s too dangerous to allow their kids to play, then Hoge and Toomer can go pound sand.

The thing is, I get the feeling that deep down, Hoge and Toomer already realize this, and that’s the real reason why they’re getting so defensive here. They must know as well as you or I do that Warner’s comments speak to a fear that not only poses a direct threat to the long-term viability of the sport, but is something that they, Goodell or anyone else are completely powerless to counteract.

Warner’s opinions are based on his own personal experiences that include being so badly beaten in his last two years with the Rams, he lost his nerve and was cut. What broke Warner with the Rams is when Martz started running those 5 wide recevier sets leaving Warner with minimal protection and he was absolutely beat up the last two years with the Rams. Subsequently, he was still shell shocked when he was with the Giants. Remember, even with Warner the Giants went after Eli. Why? Because Warner didn’t have it.

Then when Warner went to Arizona, Arizona never ran more then 3 wide receiver sets so Warner had enough protection. So..Warner sees everything with a super slant because of all the hits he took. Warner shouldn’t even be allowed to have the type of platform he does because his opinions are waaaay to slanted for offense.

If you listen to Warner, he’d make the NFL exactly like the Arena Football league. Warner actaully thinks defenses need to be reduced to what the defenses in the AFL are. So do you still like Warner?????

If anyone would know the dangers of playing the game, Warner would…also, as a PARENT, he has the right, no the duty to do what is in the best interests of his children’s safety…period. It is his opinion, and he has every right to say this, no matter what anyone says. I do feel badly for Hodge, I understand he had to relearn how to do so many things after he had to quit football. He has worked hard to get back to where he is today, but he should not hold what Warner said about his kids against him…

“I can’t believe that he would share that message because now moms and dads that are out there, and Billy wants to play, but they are uneducated and they are unsure, and they love Kurt Warner, they’re like, ‘He doesn’t want his kids to play? Why should I let my kids play?’”

Uneducated and irresponsible would apply to parents who base decisions on their child by what one person on NFL Network says.

I don’t care if this is popular or not, but the hypocrisy of the people on this particular blog and surrounding this whole head injury topic is mind-blogging. The same people on here agreeing that the game is dangerous and they would not let their children play will the clowns cheering the very first big hit that happens next football season.

Why are you all even football fans? Why are you on this site if the game is soooooo bad?!

Football teaches teamwork, perseverance, discipline, commitment and several other great qualities that help people succeed in life. Concussion management is very important. However, if you feel so bad Kirk Warner about how dangerous the game is, then stop cashing the checks from the NFL Network. Walk you talk. Same with the amen corner bloggers on this site. Stop watching the game and go watch soccer or something,

Hoge is an absolute clown. All Kurt said was that he is just concerned for his kids when playing football, as a parent, who the hell wouldn’t be concerned?

And for Hoge to go out and say that Kurt is irresponsible and uneducated and lecture Kurt on how to handle his kids on national television is a disgrace.

God forbid if this happened to Hoge’s kid, I would never wish this upon anyone, but what if your kid ran down the field on a kickoff and your kid lowers his helmet on the ball carrier and can’t get up because he’s paralyzed from the waist down like Eric LeGrand did from Rutgers?

Would you tell your kid to suck it up, Hoge? Yeah, I dont think so.

The game is dangerous and Kurt was just concerned about his kids playing the game. That’s all. End of story.

So, did Kurt Warner sign a piece of paper stating that he will not provide opinions about football once he retired from the NFL?
If not, then what’s the big deal?
I wonder if Hoge is just jealous that Kurt has a Super bowl ring, and he doesn’t?

If Hoge hadn’t played football, perhaps he would not have had his good sense, diplomacy and tact nuggets knocked out of his now empty head. If he wants to address the issues, fine; we can all decide to agree or disagree but to come out and attack Kurt W’s intellect, etc. is just mean-spirited and foolish…

Kurt Warner is just doing what a good father should do. I’m sure if his sons decide they want to play football, they will do it fully understanding all the risks involved, but he’s hoping they do something different. There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s plenty of reasons that a level-headed, involved, caring parent would have as to why their kids should not play.

Firstly it’s to understand that a minuscule amount of players are worth anything as football players. And it’s only the top 5% of them who make millions.

Secondly (almost firstly) is all the health risks. Many players retire barely able to walk or remember where they were 15 minutes ago. We’ve seen a tendency toward suicide, although I believe there are many other factors involved and it’s not as simple as one too many concussions.

After reading through all these responses, I have come to a conclusion. Man, there are a lot of bad parents here. I was prevented from playing football when I grew up and I am still ticked off. Stick a sock in it and let little Bobby decide if he wants to play or not. Encourage any and all activities he wants and let him grow up having risks and rewards. It’s called living.

And for what it’s worth. If I were to choose between Hoge and Warner as analysts, Hoge is far more informed. Being religious doesn’t mean you know football.

@outlawshark
You really did not say that a NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, 1 time Super Bowl Champion, 3 time Super Bowl QB, and the third QB in league history to ever lead an two different teams to conference championships, as how did you so moronically put it…oh, yeah, “And for what it’s worth. If I were to choose between Hoge and Warner as analysts, Hoge is far more informed. Being religious doesn’t mean you know football.” Regardless of Warner’s religious convictions, Kurt Warner has Merril Hoge clean his Super Bowl Ring, MVP trophy, and Super Bowl MVP trophy with Hoge’s mouth when you compare who is the more knowledgeable and accomplished individual in the sport of professional football. Warner has put together a career that can be argued for the Hall of Fame. Hoge, not so much.

Hoge is a dooooosch! Warner is anything but uneducated. He spent many years educating himself on the dangers of football (Iowa, Arena, World League, NFL). If he chooses, AS A PARENT, to not include his children in the sport, so be it. Shut your hole Merrill.

Hoge is obviously the poster boy for what blows to the head can do to impair an adult’s listening, reading and comprehension skills. In no part of the interview does Warner unfairly bash the sport, bite the hand that fed him or voice disrespect for the league. He was simply stating concern for his children’s safety. All reasonable parents calculate risk factors when considering what endeavors they would most support for their children. He never said he would forbid his kids from playing and, given the very real risks involved, a parent could certainly conclude that they’d rather not have their kids engage in the game in favor of another athletic pursuit. Why would any rational examiner of Warner’s statements criticize such innocuous statements? If a doctor said that, given the cost of malpractice insurance or changes in insurance reimbursement, he’d rather his kid not be a doctor, is that bashing the practice of medicine? If a former U.S. President state that the position is grueling and wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for his kids, is that bashing the presidency?

“Head trauma is not the issue here — it’s how head trauma is treated,”

Actually Hoge, I believe head trauma IS the issue.

All these former players so threatened by one man’s opinion of what he feels best for his kid’s.

Warner doesn’t owe squat to football, the NFL, or anyone else, outside of his family.

**side note. I wish this site would stop having ‘Notify me of follow-up comments via email’ checked by default. nothing better than having to delete 50+ follow-up comments after my little comment yesterday.

I fully agree with him, in the fact that he thinks it is stupid for Warner to say that he wouldn’t let his kids play because of concussions. I’ve had two, 11th grade, and freshman year of college, the 2nd of which also had a neck aspect, torn ligaments, I decided to quit playing. But whenever I decide to have kids and they want to play football, I will support them fully, not go with the “what if this or that happens”

Hoge is a complete idiot. Warners comments don’t dispairage football in any way. I played, and I would be ok if my kids play, but would be apprehensive as I know what concussions are like and wouldn’t shed a tear if they didn’t. I totally respect Warners opinion, and if hoge had so many concussions maybe we can attribute his stupid comments to that.

I think Hoge has forgot a lot from his concussions.
Does he remember saying the following?

“Here’s what people don’t know and never see. They take me to the training room where I died. I flat-lined. My heart stopped. As a process of trying to resuscitate me, I started to breathe again.

“They rushed me to the emergency room. I was in ICU for two days. It was after that I was basically trapped in my home for six weeks.

“You could not take me around the block because I could not find my way home because I did not have the cognitive skills. I had to learn how to read again. In fact, months later, if you woulld have sat me down to take an inventory of the day, i would not be able to recite that to you.

“There was a lot of cognitive issues that I dealt with that took over two years to overcome those issues.”

Where was all the Troy Aikman bashing when he said if he had a son he probably wouldn’t encourage him play? Did any of these idiots who are bashing Warner actually LISTEN to what he said? He said his kids love playing football but he wouldn’t encourage them to play it. Unlike Toomer, who apparently is forcing his kids to play football, Warner is letting his kids decide what they want to do, which incidentally is play football! He wasn’t bashing the sport, but knowing what he knows and feels now why would any parent want to encourage their kids to continue doing something that might leave them with brain damage, muscle damage, joint damage, bone damage etc? Yes, football has been good to Warner, but that doesn’t mean that can’t discourage them from following in his footsteps. He point was if they are going to play it’s on their own accord not his. Hoge and Toomer need to shut up and actually listen to what he said. I think a borderline Hall of Famer, Super Bowl MVP, and someone with 3 Super Bowl appearances has a little more clout in their statements than these fools!

@outlawshark
You really did not say that a NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, 1 time Super Bowl Champion, 3 time Super Bowl QB, and the third QB in league history to ever lead an two different teams to conference championships, as how did you so moronically put it…oh, yeah, “And for what it’s worth. If I were to choose between Hoge and Warner as analysts, Hoge is far more informed. Being religious doesn’t mean you know football.” Regardless of Warner’s religious convictions, Kurt Warner has Merril Hoge clean his Super Bowl Ring, MVP trophy, and Super Bowl MVP trophy with Hoge’s mouth when you compare who is the more knowledgeable and accomplished individual in the sport of professional football. Warner has put together a career that can be argued for the Hall of Fame. Hoge, not so much.
____________________

Merril Hoge a marginal player at best. He would not be thought about today besides the fact that he has weaseled his way into mainstream sports media. I find it ironic that the man that had to sue the bears for mistreating his concussions is going against Kurt Warner for wanting to protect his children against just that. In all truth I am writing this because every time I see Merril Hoge on espn I feel compelled to turn off my tv set before I become nauseous. Honestly espn can keep hiring crappy no name athletes and allow them to be the moral high ground for these sports!

I don’t understand the issue here. If Kurt Warner doesn’t want his kids to play football, that is his choice as a parent. If Merril Hoge or Amani Toomer want their kids to play football, that is their choice as parents. Nobody should be bashed for either decision they make.

After playing in the league for years, I believe Kurt is educated enough to form his opinion on the matter.

If you play football, there is a strong possibility to getting a concussion. Not playing football avoids that real possibility. Right now there are over 100 current and ex players who are filing suit about concussions. Hoge argument is moot.

Kurt is discussing prevention rather than the cure. While obesity is a problem, Hoge should provide this explanation to my aunt whose son died from head trauma playing a HS game of football. Peace out.

I can’t believe Warner would think about his kids well being ahead of the game of football! Football gave Warner money. What have his kids ever given him; unconditional love and happiness and the chance at eternal happiness?! Pfffffttttt…..he’s so stupid.

You people are a bunch of tinker bells. I played football all my youth, and never had a head injury. I played offense, defense, and special teams. Started both ways all 12 years,1st grade through 12th grade. First off, youth football isn’t a violent sport at all. NFL football is because you have super big, super fast adults smacking the hell out of each other. Youth football isn’t anywhere near that. Your not that fast and until varsity football your not that big. It is a great sport that teaches kids many great lessons. Dedication and commitment, team work, work ethic, and selflessness. I don’t think Hodge should go after Warner for his opinion however I do disagree with Warner. If I ever have a son (only have a daughter right now) and he wants to play football then I will be all for it. And if he is hurt in any way he will receive proper medical attention.

Concussions are forever. I’ve had about four in my life. I had serious migraines for most of my childhood as a result of a massive head injury suffered when I was 3. I was lucky enough to escape without long term epilepsy.

Hoge is an absolute moron. Sure, Warner’s probably overreacting, but can you blame him? Seeing some of the hits that guy took during his career, it will be a miracle if he doesn’t have some sort of degenerative neurological issues in his early 60s that destroys his quality of life.

The only problem with your kids not playing football is the only alternative in most towns is soccer. You should never let your kids play soccer.

There is a mammoth difference between the risks of playing pro football and playing football as a kid. Having been involved in kids football programs personally, I believe the game can be surprisingly safe for kids and confusing the two is ridiculous.

Merril Hoge can voice his opinion, that’s all fine and dandy. The only problem I have with what he stated is the moment when he called Kurt Warner “uneducated and irresponsible”. Merril is attacking Kurt’s character and that is unprofessional in any setting. He is supposedly an analyst, so he needs to state his facts and leave personal feelings behind.

These this the problem with the nfl, they bash people just for voicing their opinio, all Warner did was speak the truth and I believe he stands by his opinion even after fixing it up. It not like Warner suggested parents not to allow they’re kids to play football, he’s referring to his own and he said even if that what they want to do, he’ll still support them because that’s what responsible parents do. Merrill hogs has always been known to rip someone which is why I don’t like him, be ripped tebow liked garbage, never gave him a benefit of doubt.

It’s kinda funny reading comments from people on this website, who obviously engage, as a spectator, with football, yet have problems with their loved ones participating. Good ‘Ol Americans. “We support the Wars in distant lands…just don’t send my family”. Wow, even in sports, this pathology has increased. It used to be a source of family pride to have a son suit up for football at any level. The fact that all sports have serious risks, AND these risks were very well known for ever, speaks to a social issue that goes far beyond football. The modern day american is quickly becoming a more of a coward (The kind that screams threats, then runs behind Mommy’s skirt). Sports have always had a serious physical risk element, even possibility of death (Gymnastics/Car Racing/Football/Basketball/Ice Skating/Basketball/Baseball/Soccer). And Sports in a pro-military culture (USA) is the largest recruiter and socialization tool of the populace. Eventually, only criminals of the american empire will suit up for Football, just as criminals of the Roman empire suited up as Gladiators…just before Rome’s collapse.

It’s irresponsible for parents to not want thier children to put on protective gear and smash thier head into the opposing childs head, body, knee, sidelines, etc? Really? Hmmm thought that was called being an informed, educated, parent?

Merrill maybe you are a little spiteful over the MVP’s and super bowls? I guess that doesn’t make you irresponsible just narcissistic and a jerk.

Let Kurt raise his kids make his opinions and you can do the same, but the uneducated one does not look like Kurt here???

So the ONLY way to battle obesity is to play football, huh? I mean, NO other sport can help battle obesity?

And what Kurt Warner wants or doesn’t want for his kid is between him and his kid. He knows his kid and maybe football isn’t the sport for him.

For instance, I have two sons. Both played football. My eldest son is skinny, but he plays good, fundamental football. He also plays like he’s 250 lbs. For him, I kinda don’t want him to play, even though I know that he will again. But he’s getting really good at basketball, so perhaps he can major on that.

Now I got another son, my youngest. He’s 12, but he’s built like a man. And his mentality is that football isn’t physical enough for him. So he wrestles. But wrestling came to natural for him. So he does Jiu Jitsu. He likes fighting grown men.

With him, he will be a freak on the football field. The only problem that I have with him is that he doesn’t care about winning or losing. All he wants to do is hit, hurt and be physical. The only reason why he’s not playing now, though, is that he wants to hurt kids. So his attitude must change (even though the head coach REALLY want him to play right now.)

@outlawshark
So you are stating that an NFL QB does not use his knowledge of football to make analytical decisions? Dude, you are a joke. Kurt Warner did. Hoge did not. Period. There are those who did and there are those who did not. Period. Kurt Warner did, Hoge did not. The scoreboard of their respective careers shows that Hoge was an average NFL player, while Warner was an AMAZING NFL player. Period. It is one thing to talk, but actions speak louder than words, and that is all Hoge is, a bunch of hot air. Here is the reality of the situation when it comes to who has the best football knowledge and analytical skills. You compare WHAT HOGE did in his career against WHAT WARNER did in his career. The person whose knowledge of football and analytical skills is the superior one will have superior accomplishments. QB’s tell everybody else what to do on offense, including the head coach when they audible out of the called play. That is what Warner did along the way to earning NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, Super Bowl Champion, 3 time Super Bowl QB and the 3rd QB in league history to lead 2 different teams to the Championship Game. Hoge played a position that calls for limited football knowledge and analytical skills to be used as he was told what to do, as opposed to a QB who tells people what to do. Judge a man by their accomplishments, not their words. Hoge has been measured against Warner and found wanting in regards to football knowledge and analysis based on their respective accomplishments. Period.

I suffered a severe concussion playing hockey in high school that resulted in double vision. I had one of those terrible Cooper helmets which provided no protection. . At least my coach drove me home. My mother stayed up with me all night. I don’t think I missed a practice.

They should simply ban football, so that nobody’s sons, including his, can play it.

This would go a long way towards protecting innocent children from that scourge of our society which is football.

Of course it would mean that Warner would not be able to continue to draw his paycheck from NFL Network where he serves as a talking head, promoting and narrating the sport which others bash their heads in while playing, and which he doesn’t want his own kids playing.

But, so what. Warner is 100% right.

Oh, and BTW………another NFL season full of head bashing is on tap in a few months, and Warner will be right back at NFL Network narrating the carnage.

All I can say is that they are children and their brains are still growing and any damage to it maybe either long term or even fatal so who knows …there are doing concussion studies and reports but I haven’t seen that many on kids and they are out there just google em and I’ll let the kids parents have the last word on it…they are kids only once in a life time and I’d want mine around for a very long time without injuries to his/her brain!

“he successfully sued the Bears and their team doctor over the way his concussions were treated during his final NFL season.”

Speaking of “uneducated” did anyone ever tell Hoge that you are responsible for your health? Going and seeing a doctor you trust to diagnose an issue was well with in his grasp. But he took the american way and sued someone for his incompetence.

Truth is Warner spoke from a position as a parent worried that his kids are going to take big hits that will limit their abilities to function later in life (Chances are slim they will get into the NFL). I don’t agree with it, but it does not sound “uneducated” considering you read about kids in the jr.high and high school level being treated for head trauma. Doesn’t make him hate football, or be ungrateful for all that it has given him. If Warner didnt squander his money his kids will get what he doesnt spend not having to subject the body to the physical toll of the sport.

Everyone knows that Hoge is an idiot, and only has good things to say about the Steelers. What has he ever accomplished? He is a disgrace to be on ESPN. No wonder ESPN is falling way behind covering the NFL compared to the NFL Network. I just can’t stand the puke.